“One of the things I would like to do is help writers with conceptualizing their characters, particularly those with mental health issues, in a way that is realistic.”
— Cliff Hamrick
A member of the Writers’ League since September, Cliff lives in Austin, TX.
Scribe: In what genre(s) do you write?
Cliff Hamrick: I have written a self-help book and a post-apocalyptic dark fantasy novel, which I will develop into a series.
Scribe: What author would you most like to have a drink with, and what’s the first question you would ask them?
CH: I would like to have a drink with Robert E Howard just to learn how a boy from central Texas wrote such a vibrant and realistic world.
Scribe: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what book would you want to have with you to keep you sane?
CH: The Ninth Configuration by William Peter Blatty. It’s funny, spiritual, and has enough layers to re-read multiple times.
Scribe: What have you learned from your association with the Writers’ League?
CH: I have learned that there is quite a variety of writers from all over the state.
Scribe: Where do you see your writing taking you (or you taking it) in the future?
CH: My plan is to become more of a writer than a counselor. I think my perfect balance would be to spend just a couple of days seeing clients and the rest of the week writing.
Scribe: Here at the Writers’ League, we love sharing book recommendations. What’s one Texas-related book that has come out within the past year that you couldn’t put down?
CH: It hasn’t come out in the past year, but Edible Wild Plants of Texas by Mark Suter is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning about useful plants in the state.
Scribe: Is there anything else about you that you would like to share with the world? An opportunity for blatant self-promotion!
CH: I am just starting out writing, but I have been a licensed professional counselor in private practice since 2011. One of the things I would like to do is help writers with conceptualizing their characters, particularly those with mental health issues, in a way that is realistic.
I like hiking and camping and study survivalism and primitive skills as a way to stay connected to nature. I’ve been doing yoga regularly for over a year, but I still can’t touch my toes.
Thank you, Cliff!
If you’re a Writers’ League member and you’d be interested in being interviewed for our Meet the Members feature, email us at member@writersleague.org for more information. It’s a great way for other members to get to know you and for you to share a bit about what you’re working on!
